Coach: McGregor's style dictated by concern for head trauma

The best fighters know it's just as important to avoid punishment as it is to dish it out, and that's exactly what Conor McGregor tries to do every time he steps into the cage, according to his coach John Kavanagh.

McGregor's close friend and mentor recently told Mark O'Regan of Independent.ie that even though the UFC lightweight champion is known for his striking, he isn't looking to get into bloody wars with his opponents. Rather, McGregor is fully aware of the consequences of his sport so he is doing everything in his power to stay healthy while still competing at a high level.

"It's a concern of every fighter. At that level of fighting the risk is very real," Kavanagh said. "But I think you can add on two hands the number of clean head shots Conor has taken in 10 years of pro-fighting. His style of fighting answers that, because his style is not brawling. He doesn't step in the pocket and exchange punches.

"His style is in and out - he's very defensive. That style was born through not wanting to lose and not wanting to take head shots, and not wanting to damage the software."

In 24 professional bouts, McGregor has never been finished by strikes. He is currently taking a break from competition to recover from a hectic 2016 and to tend to his girlfriend who is expecting their first child in May.

- With h/t to Bloody Elbow